Patrick Oconnell
Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad dressing and dip, but is it vegan? Traditional blue cheese dressing is made with dairy products and is therefore not suitable for vegans. However, there are now several recipes for vegan blue cheese dressing, which aim to replicate the distinctive tangy flavour and chunky texture of the original. These recipes typically use tofu, cashews, or tahini as a base, along with various herbs and seasonings, to create a creamy, tangy, and healthy alternative to traditional blue cheese dressing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Raw cashews, tofu, vegan mayonnaise, dijon mustard, crushed garlic, tahini, white vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, dried dill, parsley, oregano, basil, non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, pepper, blue cheese |
| Taste | Tangy, creamy, savory, cheesy |
| Texture | Chunky, crumbly, smooth |
| Calories | 33 calories for two heaping tablespoons |
| Storage | Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-7 days |
| Preparation | Mix ingredients in a bowl or blender, crumble tofu, stir, and refrigerate |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese dressing recipes that use tofu
Blue cheese dressing is traditionally made with buttermilk and mayonnaise, which are both dairy products. However, vegan alternatives to blue cheese dressing can be made with tofu and cashews.
Recipe 1: Vegan Blue Cheese Dressing
This recipe from Veggie Fun Kitchen uses tofu and cashews to create a creamy and cheesy dressing with a unique blue cheese tang. The tofu is crumbled and added to the dressing to give it a chunky texture.
Ingredients:
- Tofu
- Cashews
- Other ingredients to taste
Instructions:
- Soak the cashews in hot water for 30 minutes.
- Press the tofu.
- Drain the cashews and add them to a high-speed blender.
- Cut one-third of the tofu into small pieces and crumble it into a medium-sized bowl.
- Break the rest of the tofu into chunks and add them to the blender.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour the creamy mixture into a large bowl or container.
- Add the crumbled tofu to the dressing and stir.
- Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle.
Recipe 2: Blue Cheese Dressing with Tofu and Cashews
This recipe from It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken uses silken tofu as the base and adds crumbled tofu for texture. The author also suggests adding a little blue-green spirulina for color.
Ingredients:
- Silken tofu
- Crumbed tofu
- Other ingredients to taste
- Blue-green spirulina (optional)
Instructions:
- Add all the ingredients, except the dill, crumbled tofu, and spirulina to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add the dill, crumbled tofu, and spirulina (if using) and stir or pulse a few times to combine.
- Store the dressing in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to one week.
Recipe 3: Blue Cheese Dressing with Blanched Tofu
This recipe from Margaretschlegal uses blanched tofu as the base and adds cashews for a creamy texture.
Ingredients:
- Blanched tofu
- Cashews
- Other ingredients to taste
Instructions:
- Soak the cashews in boiling water for one hour.
- Blanch the tofu.
- Add the tofu and cashews to a blender along with the remaining ingredients.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Use as a dip or thin it down with almond milk or vegetable broth for a salad dressing.
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Raw tahini as a blue cheese substitute
Blue cheese dressing is typically made with dairy products and is therefore not vegan. However, there are many vegan alternatives to blue cheese dressing that can be made with ingredients such as tofu, cashews, and vegan mayonnaise.
One such alternative is to use raw tahini as a base for a vegan blue cheese dressing. Raw tahini is made from sesame seeds and has a mild flavor and light color, making it a good substitute for blue cheese. To make a vegan blue cheese dressing with raw tahini, combine it with lemon juice, white wine vinegar, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and onion powder. For a thicker dressing, add more raw tahini, and for a thinner dressing, add water or lemon juice. This dressing pairs well with salads, bowls, veggies, and pizza.
Raw tahini is a good substitute for blue cheese because it has a similar texture and flavor. It is also a healthier option, as it is made from whole foods and is dairy-free. In addition, raw tahini is a good source of healthy fats and can be used in a variety of savory and sweet dishes.
When making a vegan blue cheese dressing with raw tahini, it is important to use raw tahini rather than roasted tahini. Roasted tahini has a darker color and a more bitter flavor, which can affect the taste of the dressing. Raw tahini can be hard to find in stores, but it can be made at home with sesame seeds or purchased from natural markets.
In addition to raw tahini, there are other ingredients that can be used to make a vegan blue cheese dressing. Some recipes call for cashews, which can be soaked and blended to create a creamy texture. Other recipes use soft or silken tofu to create a smooth and creamy base for the dressing. These alternatives provide the same tanginess and chunkiness of traditional blue cheese dressing while being vegan-friendly.
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Blue cheese dressing as a dip
Blue cheese dressing is a popular dip and salad dressing, but it is not vegan-friendly as it contains cheese, milk, and mayonnaise. However, vegans need not miss out on the distinctive flavor and texture of blue cheese dressing, as there are many vegan alternatives.
Vegan blue cheese dressing is a tasty, tangy, and creamy alternative to the traditional dip. It is made with simple ingredients and is a delicious option for those who are vegan, lactose intolerant, or vegan-curious. The base of the dressing is usually made with raw tahini, silken tofu, or cashews, which are blended with lemon juice, vinegar, and various herbs and seasonings to create a creamy texture and savory flavor. Some recipes also include vegan mayonnaise and non-dairy milk. The tofu adds a crumbly, "cheesy" texture to the dip, mimicking the traditional blue cheese crumbles.
Vegan blue cheese dressing is a versatile dip that can be served with a variety of dishes. It pairs well with raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and cucumbers, and can also be used as a dunking sauce for buffalo sandwiches or a topping for burgers. The dip can also be served with wings, although some people find that the strong flavors of the dip do not complement the wings as well as with other dishes.
Preparing vegan blue cheese dressing is a simple process that only requires blending or whisking the ingredients together. The dip can be made thinner by adding water or non-dairy milk, and thicker by adding more tahini or tofu. It is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Vegan blue cheese dressing is a tasty and healthy alternative to the traditional dip, offering all the flavor without the dairy. It is a versatile dip that can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes and is simple to make at home.
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Blue cheese dressing as a salad topping
Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad topping, but it is not vegan-friendly as it contains dairy products. However, vegans need not miss out on the experience, as there are several vegan alternatives to traditional blue cheese dressing that can be used as a salad topping.
Vegan blue cheese dressing recipes typically use tofu, either silken or firm, to replicate the texture and taste of blue cheese. Some recipes also include vegan mayonnaise, while others use raw cashews or raw tahini to achieve a creamy texture. Additional ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar, herbs, and seasonings are added to enhance the flavour and tanginess of the dressing.
Vegan blue cheese dressing can be made at home by blending these ingredients to the desired consistency. The tofu can be crumbled to create a chunky texture reminiscent of blue cheese crumbles, or it can be blended smooth for a more uniform dressing. The dressing can then be drizzled over a variety of salads, such as a wedge salad with iceberg lettuce and tempeh bacon, or a romaine salad with tomatoes and cucumbers.
Vegan blue cheese dressing is a versatile option that can also be used as a dip for raw vegetables or as a sauce for sandwiches and burgers. It offers a tangy and creamy experience, similar to traditional blue cheese dressing, making it a popular choice for those following a plant-based diet or simply looking for a dairy-free alternative.
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Blue cheese dressing with vegan mayo
Vegan blue cheese dressing is a delicious, tangy, and creamy dip or dressing that can be whipped up in minutes. It is perfect for a vegan wedge salad, or as a dip for cauliflower buffalo wings, carrots, celery, cucumber, and more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of vegan mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
- 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill
- 1/4 block of firm tofu
Method
Start by adding the vegan mayonnaise, white vinegar, lemon juice, onion powder, salt, and dried dill to a mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Then, crumble up the tofu with a fork and add it to the mixture. You can also blend all the ingredients, except the dill and tofu, in a blender until smooth and creamy, and then stir in the tofu and dill at the end.
If you prefer a smoother dressing without the tofu, simply leave it out. You can also add a teaspoon of dijon mustard, crushed garlic, tahini, maple syrup, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
The dressing can be served immediately as a dip or poured over a salad. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week and can be thinned with water if it becomes too thick.
Tips and Variations
- If you don't have a high-powered blender, you can substitute the cashews and water in the original recipe with vegan mayo.
- You can also use silken tofu instead of vegan mayo for a healthier option.
- For a touch of sweetness, add a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Nutritional yeast adds to the cheesiness without being overpowering.
- Use distilled white vinegar for the characteristic tangy cheese flavor.
- For a pop of color, add a sprinkle of blue-green spirulina.
Enjoy this vegan take on a classic favorite!
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Frequently asked questions
No, blue cheese dressing is not vegan because it contains dairy products. However, there are several recipes for vegan blue cheese dressing that use ingredients like tofu, cashews, and vegan mayonnaise to mimic the flavor and texture of the original.
There are several recipes for vegan blue cheese dressing, but most include tofu, cashews, or vegan mayonnaise as a base. Other common ingredients include vinegar, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs like parsley, oregano, and basil.
You can find vegan blue cheese dressing at some specialty grocery stores or online retailers. However, it's also easy to make at home, and many recipes can be found online.
Vegan blue cheese dressing is often touted as a healthy alternative to traditional blue cheese dressing, as it is typically dairy-free, oil-free, and made with whole food plant-based ingredients. However, the nutritional profile can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used.
Yes, most vegan blue cheese dressings can be frozen. However, the texture may change slightly after thawing, so it is recommended to use frozen dressing within a few months for the best quality.
